Shakib Al Hasan has reiterated his intention to return to Bangladesh, but has made it clear that he wants guarantees of “normal security” before he makes the trip. The former Bangladesh captain, who has been away from home since May 2024, spoke at length about the legal and political factors affecting his situation in a detailed conversation.
Shakib’s circumstances shifted sharply after the Awami League government was removed from power on August 5 last year. The experienced all-rounder had previously served as a Member of Parliament for the party, and later found himself named in a First Information Report connected to an alleged murder case, even though he was not in the country at the time of the incident. Despite the mounting legal pressure, he continued to play international cricket, including Test matches against Pakistan and India, with the Kanpur Test versus India ultimately becoming his most recent appearance at international level.
In his interview with the Bangladeshi media outlet bdnews24.com, Shakib said he remains hopeful about resolving the matter through the courts. “I have complete hope. I will return. I hope I can return soon. I will return, go to court, fight the cases. There is no problem. But they have to ensure my security,” he remarked.
When asked to define what he meant by security, the former captain clarified that he was not asking for special treatment. “I am not saying security means roads have to be closed for me or four police cars have to be in front of me,” he explained. “But there is such a thing as normal security — that I will not be harassed until the legal process is completed.”
Shakib also addressed accusations that he has been linked to stock market manipulation, along with references to investigations by the ACC and cheque-bounce cases. He dismissed the wider speculation around the allegations and questioned why no concrete material has surfaced even as inquiries have continued for close to two years. “My bank account has been frozen, so I cannot do that. Why is my bank account frozen? Maybe they felt it needed to be frozen for the sake of investigation. But that investigation has now been going on for a year and a half. They have found nothing so far,” he said.
While maintaining faith in due process, Shakib stressed that he is prepared to face trial if authorities conclude that there is proof against him. “If guilt is proved, take action. If nothing is found in the investigation, give clearance, release me,” he added.
Even so, he admitted that he cannot fully predict how things will unfold. “Nothing feels abnormal anymore,” he said, while also acknowledging the worry that he could face arrest if he returns to Bangladesh.
